Discussion Post: Media, Socialization & Identities
The mass media act as an agent of socialization, teaching individuals the social and cultural ideals of their society. As individuals, the media not only teach us about society's expectations and desired behaviors, but we also learn which social identities our society values the most and which are seen as less desirable.
For this discussion, you will examine what role the mass media play in replicating and reinforcing the stratification systems connected to a variety of social identities. Read the article, The Objectification of Women in Advertising, and review The Role of the Mass Media in Representations of Age, Social Class, Ethnicity, Gender, Sexuality, and Disability to address the following:
1) For the first part of this discussion, select two of the following social identities: age, class, physical ability, body size, sexuality, and/or ethnicity. For each of the two identities you select:
a) Describe the system of stratification for that identity in the United States.
b) How do the media generally portray this identity group? In particular, do the media representations convey any messages about which members of this group society values most? Provide an example for why or why not.
c) Explain how the media representations either reinforce or challenge the associated stratification system.
2) Next, consider gender and beauty ideals.
a) What beauty ideals do the media in the United States reinforce for men? For women?
b) Corporations use the media to sell their products; however, in doing so, they are also reinforcing society's norms and values about which bodies are most highly valued in our society. Describe a recent commercial or advertisement you have seen, and explain how it reinforces society's beauty ideals.
c) Describe one real-life consequence for either men or women who do not meet society's beauty ideals that are reinforced by the media.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.